In the course of life, each person is the both the architect and builder. That means that every step of the way, we design and create our lives the way we want it. But what about the steps leading up to that? In other words, the million dollar question is: how do we know what we want to create in order to create it? This is probably the most common question I get as a coach, and, I believe the doorway to conscious living.
Well, the keys to that doorway lie in finding our purpose and/or passions. Ironically though, we also tend to tie that question often with the flow of money. Someone told me once to "do what I loved and the money would follow". Well, after many years of pondering that statement, doing many things that I loved, and very little money following, I discovered that there was one vital problem - yes I loved to do a variety of things, but not everything that I loved automatically created an income flow for me. Especially in a way where I felt I could be contented and fulfilled, since I very much connected the two concepts. And I actually believe that all I had to do was "love" to do anything at all, and the money would just appear like a genie. NOT!
But what I did discover was this: that there is a difference between the things that you are passionate about and one's purpose in life, sometimes both coming together, sometimes not. Money of course is a result of that, whether small or large amounts. Here's an example of passion and purpose being separate: I can be passionate about being a superstar basketball player, but if I'm only 5 feet tall and no athletic inclinations whatsoever, then it is certainly not my purpose. And even though I could still choose to devote 100% of my energy because of my passion around it, it still wouldn't net me a spot with the Harlem Globetrotters. It would also leave me broke and starving, since my all my energy would be going out towards this passion, but netting me nothing in return.
I believe there are four main keys to opening that doorway of discovery. Ask yourself these questions:
What are your gifts? These are the abilities you were born with that came naturally to you. You had no training, you were just good at them. For example, your physical abilities, your personality, your looks, the way you communicated or thought, ability to play a musical instrument. Think back to your childhood - what were you naturally good at - what came easily to you without any thought whatsoever? What did you enjoy? What did you love to do?
What are your strengths? These are your natural abilities or gifts that you have taken in your life and refined further.
What are your interests? These are areas usually associated with positive experiences from your past that you have chosen to develop and master.
What are you passionate about? What do you stand for? What do you value? These too are developed, however very often associated with challenges, hurdles or negative experiences from your past. For example, maybe you had a bad familial experience and it is what helped mold you into the person you are today. It may also be a cause you wish to take up, because of a challenge you had to face, and in turn channel that energy into something positive that may help others facing that same challenge.
Discovering the purpose is not often the passions that we have, however finding what we want usually involves bringing passion and purpose together. In order words, falling in love with your purpose. Your purpose is the responsibility that you have to contribute to others. Finding what your purpose is centers around your gifts first and foremost.
Somestimes the clues about your purpose are very often what we try and run away from, and yet comes back at us consistently. As the saying goes, "what we resist, persists". If you take what your natural gifts and strengths allow you to experience, you can create and contribute in a way that allows you to add value to those around you.
Adding value is vital. It's your contribution to society as well to yourself, in being fulfilled and having a consciously purposeful life. Ask yourself two more questions: If you found out that you only had three months to live, what would you do? What would you like to be remembered for? The answers may shock and surprise you.
The closer you are with using your gifts, the closer you are to finding what you desire, and therefore, your purpose, personal fulfillment and everything else that stems from that. I'm sure Tiger Woods would agree with that picture.
Coaching is certainly a tremendous tool to help one uncover their purpose and value to others. And working through life to get to the point where Purpose and Passion are connected is one of the fundamental aims of coaching.
So what are you waiting for? Start unlocking those doors. And let your purpose shine for the rest of the world to see!
Copyright 2005
Olena Gill is a life coach and owner of Indigo-Crystal Coaching Services in Errington, BC, Canada. She assists people in discovering their purpose and aligning actions with their vision. Visit http://www.indigocrystalcoach.com for more information.